WO2005110863A1 - Disposable pre-filled food topping package/dispenser and associated methods - Google Patents

Disposable pre-filled food topping package/dispenser and associated methods Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005110863A1
WO2005110863A1 PCT/US2005/010759 US2005010759W WO2005110863A1 WO 2005110863 A1 WO2005110863 A1 WO 2005110863A1 US 2005010759 W US2005010759 W US 2005010759W WO 2005110863 A1 WO2005110863 A1 WO 2005110863A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
popcorn
elongated hollow
butter
hollow agitator
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/010759
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Trent W. Ling
Original Assignee
Ling Communications, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ling Communications, Inc. filed Critical Ling Communications, Inc.
Publication of WO2005110863A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005110863A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G21/00—Table-ware
    • A47G21/004—Table-ware comprising food additives to be used with foodstuff
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/32—Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/20—External fittings
    • B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of food topping packaging, and, more particularly, to the field of disposable pre-filled food topping packages and dispensers and related methods .
  • Background of the Invention Movie theaters typically provide butter- flavored oil (hereinafter referred to as simply "butter") for patrons who purchase popcorn. For example, it is known to add butter with the kernels of corn during popping. However, this approach may result in stale popcorn and does not accommodate requests for un-buttered popcorn.
  • Sharing the popcorn is a problem if one person prefers butter and the other does not prefer butter, or even if preferences differ in the amount of butter desired. Also, the use of the machines is messy (butter often will be spilled over the sides of the bag, box or bucket in an effort to evenly distribute the single streaming butter over the top layers) . In addition this approach wastes butter, napkins and other resources. In addition, the patron usually has to spill some popcorn into the garbage to shake the bag, box or bucket to try to better distribute the butter to lower layers. [0005] Furthermore, there is no real choice as to the butter available at theaters. It is either the one kind of butter in the machine or no butter at all . There are no alternative choices as to flavor or caloric characteristics.
  • FIG. 4 Various patents show disposable packets or containers that are pre-filled with a food topping.
  • the Campbell patent U.S. 4,648,506 discloses a package and spreader for storing and delivering spreadable materials such as butter.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,428,460 to Ely is directed to a container type stirrer that includes compartments for storing dry ingredients to be added to a beverage, such as coffee.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,854,466 to Lane discloses a packaging cup to contain a condiment and hang from another container.
  • none of these devices are suitable for storing and dispensing butter-flavored popcorn topping in a way that addresses the problems discussed above.
  • a disposable pre-filled popcorn topping dispenser which can be used for any and all popcorn uses (theater, home, traveling, fairs etc. ) .
  • the disposable topping dispenser can also be used to contain and make portable other condiments such as sauces, dressings, or toppings for other food.
  • a disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser including an elongated hollow agitator having an openable end and another end connected to a reservoir filled with a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping.
  • a passageway extends between the ends of the hollow agitator.
  • a food container clip may extend from one of the agitator and the reservoir to removably attach the dispenser to a food container.
  • the openable end of the elongated hollow agitator preferably has an opening and a removable cap or seal closing the opening.
  • the seal may be a removable seal or a breakable seal, for example.
  • the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir may be integrally formed as a monolithic unit, for example, of plastic or paper.
  • the elongated hollow agitator is preferably a substantially rigid hollow tube, and the reservoir is preferably a flexible hollow bulb.
  • a method of dispensing a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping, on a food including providing a disposable butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser having a reservoir, prefilled with butter- flavored popcorn topping, and connected to a proximal end of an elongated hollow agitator having an openable distal end opposite the proximal end.
  • the method includes opening the openable distal end of the elongated hollow agitator, positioning the elongated hollow agitator at a desired position adjacent the popcorn in the container, and compressing the reservoir to dispense the butter- flavored popcorn topping via the elongated hollow agitator and the openable distal end thereof while agitating the popcorn in the container with the elongated hollow agitator.
  • a popcorn container clip may be provided on the reservoir or the elongated hollow agitator to removably attach the dispenser to the popcorn container.
  • Advantages include the availability of butter that can easily be distributed throughout a popcorn bag, box or bucket .
  • the popcorn can be easily buttered in a darkened theater, and it can be done all at once, or periodically, depending upon the preferences of the user.
  • the popcorn can be shared by patrons with different butter preferences, by pinpointing rather easily which portions to butter and to what degree.
  • the invention is not messy.
  • the dispenser is portable, and it does not require the shaking and spilling of popcorn, and it does not result in a situation where butter is routinely spilled on the outside of the popcorn container.
  • the invention provides for the availability of different flavors and different caloric choices, and eliminates the need for assistance from theater employees and the need to revisit the butter machines to re-butter the popcorn after purchase.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable food condiment dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the dispenser of the first embodiment of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disposable food condiment dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs . 4 and 5 are perspective views of the dispenser being used to dispense butter- flavored topping to popcorn within a container in accordance with a method of the present invention.
  • FIGs . 4 and 5 are perspective views of the dispenser being used to dispense butter- flavored topping to popcorn within a container in accordance with a method of the present invention.
  • FIGs . 4 and 5 are perspective views of the dispenser being used to dispense butter- flavored topping to popcorn within a container in accordance with a method of the present invention.
  • the disposable pre-filled food condiment dispenser 10 can be used to contain and make portable various condiments such as sauces, dressings, or toppings for any food.
  • the preferred embodiment and the description that follows refers primarily to butter-flavored popcorn topping for dispensing on popcorn, e.g. in a bag or bucket served in a theater.
  • the disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser 10 includes an elongated hollow agitator 12 having an openable end 16 and another end 18 connected to a reservoir 14 filled with a food condiment 30, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping.
  • a passageway 19 extends between the ends 16, 18.
  • the elongated hollow agitator 12 and the reservoir 14 may be integrally formed as a monolithic unit, for example, of plastic, paper (e.g. polycoated paper or paperboard) or any other suitable food grade material having the appropriate characteristics described below.
  • the elongated hollow agitator 12 is a substantially rigid hollow tube
  • the reservoir 14 is a flexible hollow bulb.
  • a clip 26 extends from one of the agitator 12 and the reservoir 14 (as shown) to removably attach the dispenser 10 to a food container.
  • Such a clip may also be integrally formed with the dispenser, e.g. of plastic.
  • the dispenser 10 may then be attached with the clip 26 to the inside or outside of a food container, such as a popcorn bucket or bag, when not in use.
  • the openable end 16 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 preferably has an opening 17 and a removable cap 20.
  • the opening 17' may be on the side of the openable end 16' and/or include a seal 22, such as a removable seal or a breakable seal, closing the opening.
  • the openable end 16' may also have a plurality of openings 17' or holes closed by one or more seals, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art .
  • the method of dispensing a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping, on a food, e.g. popcorn 42 in a container 40 includes providing a disposable butter- flavored popcorn topping dispenser 10, 10' having a reservoir 14, prefilled with butter- flavored popcorn topping 30, and connected to a proximal end 18 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 having an openable distal end 16, 16' opposite the proximal end.
  • a food condiment such as butter-flavored popcorn topping
  • the method includes opening the openable distal end 16, 16' of the elongated hollow agitator, such as by removing the cap 20 or seal 22, and positioning the elongated hollow agitator 12 at a desired position adjacent the popcorn 42 in the container 40, e.g. above the top portion of popcorn in the container (FIG. 4).
  • Compressing i.e. squeezing
  • the reservoir 14 dispenses the butter-flavored popcorn topping 30 via the passageway 19 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 and the openable distal end 16, 16' thereof.
  • the user may move the dispenser 10, 10' over the popcorn 42 while dispensing the butter 30 as desired.
  • the user may reposition the dispenser by inserting such into the popcorn 42 so that the openable end 16, 16' is adjacent lower layers of popcorn in the container 40.
  • the user may then move the dispenser 10, 10' to agitate the popcorn with the elongated hollow agitator 12 while continuing to dispense the butter 30 in accordance with the user' s tastes and preferences.
  • a popcorn container clip 26 may be provided to removably attach the dispenser to the inside or outside of the popcorn container 40.
  • the popcorn 42 can be easily buttered in a darkened theater, and it can be done all at once, or periodically, depending upon the preferences of the user.
  • the popcorn 42 can be shared by patrons with different butter preferences, by pinpointing rather easily which portions to butter and to what degree.
  • the dispenser 10, 10' is not messy.
  • the dispenser 10, 10' is portable, and it does not require the shaking and spilling of popcorn 42, and it does not result in a situation where butter 30 is routinely spilled on the outside of the popcorn container 40.
  • the invention provides for the availability of different sizes (e.g. corresponding to different size popcorn containers), different flavors (e.g. garlic butter, caramel etc.) and different caloric choices (e.g. low fat, no-fat etc.), and eliminates the need for assistance from theater employees and the need to revisit a butter machine to re-butter the popcorn 42 after purchase .
  • different flavors e.g. garlic butter, caramel etc.
  • different caloric choices e.g. low fat, no-fat etc.

Abstract

The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser (10) includes an elongated hollow agitator (19) having an openable end (16) and another end (18) connected to a reservoir (14) filled with a food condiment (30), such as butter-flavored popcorn topping. A food container clip (26) may extend from the agitator (12) or the reservoir (14) to removably attach the dispenser to a food container (40). The openable end of the elongated hollow agitator preferably has an opening (17, 17’) and a removable cap (20) or seal (22) to close the opening. Butter can easily be distributed throughout a popcorn bag, box or bucket, all at once, or periodically, depending upon the preferences of the user. The dispenser is portable, and it does not require the shaking of the container and associated spilling of popcorn (42). Also, different flavors and different caloric choices may be provided.

Description

DISPOSABLE PRE-FILLED FOOD TOPPING PACKAGE/DISPENSER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to the field of food topping packaging, and, more particularly, to the field of disposable pre-filled food topping packages and dispensers and related methods . Background of the Invention [0002] Movie theaters typically provide butter- flavored oil (hereinafter referred to as simply "butter") for patrons who purchase popcorn. For example, it is known to add butter with the kernels of corn during popping. However, this approach may result in stale popcorn and does not accommodate requests for un-buttered popcorn. More commonly today, theaters utilize butter- dispensing machines which dispense a single narrow flow of butter as the user is required to move the bag, box or bucket of popcorn around to try to spread the butter evenly over the top layers of the popcorn. The user must then shake the bag, box or bucket of buttered popcorn upward and then dispense more butter onto the new top. [0003] The butter dispensing machines are the chosen method of buttering movie theater popcorn today, despite numerous disadvantages discussed below. Firstly, only the top portion of the popcorn may be treated with butter, thus, the top portion is displeasingly saturated in butter, whereas if the same amount of butter was evenly distributed throughout the popcorn, it would be more satisfying. Beyond this, the middle and bottom portions of popcorn are hardly buttered at all and are not enjoyed nearly as much by those patrons preferring buttery popcorn. An approach to this problem includes the patrons re-visiting the butter dispensing machine 2-3 times or more during a movie.
[0004] Sharing the popcorn is a problem if one person prefers butter and the other does not prefer butter, or even if preferences differ in the amount of butter desired. Also, the use of the machines is messy (butter often will be spilled over the sides of the bag, box or bucket in an effort to evenly distribute the single streaming butter over the top layers) . In addition this approach wastes butter, napkins and other resources. In addition, the patron usually has to spill some popcorn into the garbage to shake the bag, box or bucket to try to better distribute the butter to lower layers. [0005] Furthermore, there is no real choice as to the butter available at theaters. It is either the one kind of butter in the machine or no butter at all . There are no alternative choices as to flavor or caloric characteristics. The machines frequently run out of butter and need to be refilled by theater staff. This generally results in delays, longer lines, and missed previews or features . [0006] Some theaters maintain these butter-dispensing machines "behind the counter" whereby theater workers operate them as patrons request . Though this provides some control over the often messy machine, it has numerous shortcomings. Firstly, it is a difficult transaction for the theater employee to butter the patron's popcorn to the satisfaction of the patron. Either the patron settles for how the employee butters the popcorn or the patron coaches the employee through the patron's preferences. The patron is usually less than satisfied, and the line of patrons waiting for service grows and grows. These are unnecessary transactions, complications, and dissatisfactions.
[0007] Various patents show disposable packets or containers that are pre-filled with a food topping. For example, the Campbell patent (U.S. 4,648,506) discloses a package and spreader for storing and delivering spreadable materials such as butter. U.S. Patent No. 3,428,460 to Ely is directed to a container type stirrer that includes compartments for storing dry ingredients to be added to a beverage, such as coffee. Also, U.S. Patent No. 4,854,466 to Lane discloses a packaging cup to contain a condiment and hang from another container. However, none of these devices are suitable for storing and dispensing butter-flavored popcorn topping in a way that addresses the problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention [0008] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposable pre-filled popcorn topping dispenser which can be used for any and all popcorn uses (theater, home, traveling, fairs etc. ) . The disposable topping dispenser can also be used to contain and make portable other condiments such as sauces, dressings, or toppings for other food.
[0009] This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser including an elongated hollow agitator having an openable end and another end connected to a reservoir filled with a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping. A passageway extends between the ends of the hollow agitator. A food container clip may extend from one of the agitator and the reservoir to removably attach the dispenser to a food container. The openable end of the elongated hollow agitator preferably has an opening and a removable cap or seal closing the opening. The seal may be a removable seal or a breakable seal, for example. The elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir may be integrally formed as a monolithic unit, for example, of plastic or paper. Also, the elongated hollow agitator is preferably a substantially rigid hollow tube, and the reservoir is preferably a flexible hollow bulb. [0010] Objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are also provided by a method of dispensing a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping, on a food (e.g. popcorn in a container) including providing a disposable butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser having a reservoir, prefilled with butter- flavored popcorn topping, and connected to a proximal end of an elongated hollow agitator having an openable distal end opposite the proximal end. The method includes opening the openable distal end of the elongated hollow agitator, positioning the elongated hollow agitator at a desired position adjacent the popcorn in the container, and compressing the reservoir to dispense the butter- flavored popcorn topping via the elongated hollow agitator and the openable distal end thereof while agitating the popcorn in the container with the elongated hollow agitator. Again, a popcorn container clip may be provided on the reservoir or the elongated hollow agitator to removably attach the dispenser to the popcorn container.
[0011] Advantages include the availability of butter that can easily be distributed throughout a popcorn bag, box or bucket . The popcorn can be easily buttered in a darkened theater, and it can be done all at once, or periodically, depending upon the preferences of the user. The popcorn can be shared by patrons with different butter preferences, by pinpointing rather easily which portions to butter and to what degree. The invention is not messy. The dispenser is portable, and it does not require the shaking and spilling of popcorn, and it does not result in a situation where butter is routinely spilled on the outside of the popcorn container. The invention provides for the availability of different flavors and different caloric choices, and eliminates the need for assistance from theater employees and the need to revisit the butter machines to re-butter the popcorn after purchase. Brief Description of the Drawings [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable food condiment dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. [0013] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the dispenser of the first embodiment of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disposable food condiment dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIGs . 4 and 5 are perspective views of the dispenser being used to dispense butter- flavored topping to popcorn within a container in accordance with a method of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0016] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. [0017] Referring initially to FIGs. 1 and 2, a disposable pre-filled food condiment dispenser 10 in accordance with the present invention will be described. The disposable topping dispenser 10 can be used to contain and make portable various condiments such as sauces, dressings, or toppings for any food. However, the preferred embodiment and the description that follows refers primarily to butter-flavored popcorn topping for dispensing on popcorn, e.g. in a bag or bucket served in a theater. [0018] The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser 10 includes an elongated hollow agitator 12 having an openable end 16 and another end 18 connected to a reservoir 14 filled with a food condiment 30, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping. A passageway 19 extends between the ends 16, 18. The elongated hollow agitator 12 and the reservoir 14 may be integrally formed as a monolithic unit, for example, of plastic, paper (e.g. polycoated paper or paperboard) or any other suitable food grade material having the appropriate characteristics described below. Preferably, and as illustrated, the elongated hollow agitator 12 is a substantially rigid hollow tube, and the reservoir 14 is a flexible hollow bulb. Of course, other shapes and cross-sections of the reservoir 14 and elongated hollow agitator 12 could be used as long as the food condiment 30 can be stored and dispensed as described herein. [0019] A clip 26 extends from one of the agitator 12 and the reservoir 14 (as shown) to removably attach the dispenser 10 to a food container. Such a clip may also be integrally formed with the dispenser, e.g. of plastic. The dispenser 10 may then be attached with the clip 26 to the inside or outside of a food container, such as a popcorn bucket or bag, when not in use. The openable end 16 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 preferably has an opening 17 and a removable cap 20. [0020] Also, referring to another embodiment of the dispenser 10' illustrated in FIG. 3, the opening 17' may be on the side of the openable end 16' and/or include a seal 22, such as a removable seal or a breakable seal, closing the opening. The openable end 16' may also have a plurality of openings 17' or holes closed by one or more seals, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art . [0021] Use of the dispenser 10, 10' will now be described with reference to FIGs. 4 and 5. The method of dispensing a food condiment, such as butter-flavored popcorn topping, on a food, e.g. popcorn 42 in a container 40, includes providing a disposable butter- flavored popcorn topping dispenser 10, 10' having a reservoir 14, prefilled with butter- flavored popcorn topping 30, and connected to a proximal end 18 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 having an openable distal end 16, 16' opposite the proximal end. The method includes opening the openable distal end 16, 16' of the elongated hollow agitator, such as by removing the cap 20 or seal 22, and positioning the elongated hollow agitator 12 at a desired position adjacent the popcorn 42 in the container 40, e.g. above the top portion of popcorn in the container (FIG. 4). Compressing (i.e. squeezing) the reservoir 14 dispenses the butter-flavored popcorn topping 30 via the passageway 19 of the elongated hollow agitator 12 and the openable distal end 16, 16' thereof. Of course the user may move the dispenser 10, 10' over the popcorn 42 while dispensing the butter 30 as desired. [0022] While holding the dispenser 10, 10' by the reservoir 14 and/or proximal end 18, the user may reposition the dispenser by inserting such into the popcorn 42 so that the openable end 16, 16' is adjacent lower layers of popcorn in the container 40. The user may then move the dispenser 10, 10' to agitate the popcorn with the elongated hollow agitator 12 while continuing to dispense the butter 30 in accordance with the user' s tastes and preferences. Again, a popcorn container clip 26 may be provided to removably attach the dispenser to the inside or outside of the popcorn container 40. [0023] As should be appreciated, butter is easily distributed throughout a popcorn bag, box or bucket 40. The popcorn 42 can be easily buttered in a darkened theater, and it can be done all at once, or periodically, depending upon the preferences of the user. The popcorn 42 can be shared by patrons with different butter preferences, by pinpointing rather easily which portions to butter and to what degree. The dispenser 10, 10' is not messy. The dispenser 10, 10' is portable, and it does not require the shaking and spilling of popcorn 42, and it does not result in a situation where butter 30 is routinely spilled on the outside of the popcorn container 40.
[0024] The invention provides for the availability of different sizes (e.g. corresponding to different size popcorn containers), different flavors (e.g. garlic butter, caramel etc.) and different caloric choices (e.g. low fat, no-fat etc.), and eliminates the need for assistance from theater employees and the need to revisit a butter machine to re-butter the popcorn 42 after purchase .
[0025] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow agitator having an openable first end and a second end with a passageway extending therebetween; and a reservoir, filled with butter-flavored popcorn topping, connected to the second end of the elongated hollow agitator and in fluid communication with the passageway therein.
2. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 further comprising a popcorn container clip extending from one of the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir to removably attach the dispenser to a popcorn container.
3. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a removable cap closing the at least one opening.
4. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a seal closing the at least one opening.
5. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 wherein the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir are integrally formed as a monolithic unit.
6. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 5 wherein the monolithic unit comprises at least one of plastic and paper.
7. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 wherein the elongated hollow agitator comprises a substantially rigid hollow tube.
8. The disposable prefilled butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser according to Claim 1 wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible hollow bulb.
9. A disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser comprising: an elongated hollow agitator having an openable first end and a second end with a passageway extending therebetween; a reservoir, filled with a food condiment, connected to the second end of the elongated hollow agitator and in fluid communication with the passageway therein; and a food container clip extending from at least one of the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir to removably attach the dispenser to a food container.
10. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 9 further wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a removable cap closing the at least one opening.
11. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 9 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a seal closing the at least one opening.
12. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 9 wherein the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir are integrally formed as a monolithic unit.
13. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 12 wherein the monolithic unit comprises one of plastic and paper.
14. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 9 wherein the elongated hollow agitator comprises a substantially rigid hollow tube .
15. The disposable prefilled food condiment dispenser according to Claim 9 wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible hollow bulb.
16. A popcorn serving system comprising: a container filled with popcorn; and a prefilled popcorn topping dispenser comprising an elongated hollow agitator having an openable first end and a second end with a passageway extending therebetween, a reservoir, filled with popcorn topping, connected to the second end of the elongated hollow agitator and in fluid communication with the passageway therein, and a popcorn container clip extending from one of the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir to removably attach the dispenser to the popcorn container.
17. The system according to Claim 16 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a removable cap closing the at least one opening.
18. The system according to Claim 16 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a seal closing the at least one opening.
19. The system according to Claim 16 wherein the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir are integrally formed as a monolithic unit.
20. The system according to Claim 16 wherein the elongated hollow agitator comprises a substantially rigid hollow tube.
21. The system according to Claim 16 wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible hollow bulb.
22. A method of dispensing butter-flavored popcorn topping on popcorn in a container comprising: providing a disposable butter-flavored popcorn topping dispenser including a reservoir, prefilled with butter-flavored popcorn topping, and connected to a proximal end of an elongated hollow agitator having an openable distal end opposite the proximal end; opening the openable distal end of the elongated hollow agitator; positioning the elongated hollow agitator at a desired position adjacent the popcorn in the container; and compressing the reservoir to dispense the butter-flavored popcorn topping via the elongated hollow agitator and the openable distal end thereof while agitating the popcorn in the container with the elongated hollow agitator.
23. The method according to Claim 22 further comprising providing a popcorn container clip extending from at least one of the reservoir and the elongated hollow agitator to removably attach the dispenser to the popcorn container.
24. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a removable cap closing the at least one opening; and wherein opening the openable distal end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises removing the cap.
25. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the openable first end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one opening and a seal closing the at least one opening; and wherein opening the openable distal end of the elongated hollow agitator comprises at least one of removing and breaking the seal .
26. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the elongated hollow agitator and the reservoir are integrally formed as a monolithic unit.
27. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the elongated hollow agitator comprises a substantially rigid hollow tube.
28. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible hollow bulb.
PCT/US2005/010759 2004-05-03 2005-03-29 Disposable pre-filled food topping package/dispenser and associated methods WO2005110863A1 (en)

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